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Just a short year ago
Manager Don Wakamatsu and his coaching staff
instilled a belief system during Spring Training
that led to one of the biggest turnarounds in
baseball history.
Seattle finished third in the division last year but
the foundation for greater success was set. Pitching
coach Rick Adair was able to help transform a
young group of
starters into one of the best staffs in the league
while bullpen coach John Wetteland was able to guide
a group of young relievers and develop them into
strong late-inning options.
Led by the Cy
Young-caliber season by ace Felix Hernandez, the
Mariners boasted the best pitching staff in the
American League despite having only two starters
toss at least 100.0 innings
The rotation led the
league in ERA (3.89) and held batters to the lowest
batting average (.248), but they were only the start
(literally) of those who comprised the best in the
league. The bullpen had several players step up and
take leadership roles including David Aardsma who
became a shutdown closer and recorded 38 saves while
achieving career-best numbers in various categories.
Ken Griffey Jr. made his return to Seattle a
memorable one from start
to finish. After signing during Spring Training, the
fun never stopped with Griffey. His season began
with a home run on Opening Day and ended with what
many believed to be an emotional goodbye on the last
day of the season. Fortunately for the Mariners,
Junior has decided to return for at least one more
memory-filled campaign.
Nine-time All-Star
Ichiro Suzuki continued his record-setting career
last season, becoming the first player to record
nine straight seasons with at least 200 hits. In the
process, he collected his 2,000th career hit. He’ll
continue to cause problems for the opposition at the
top of the lineup but he won’t be alone in doing so.
General Manager Jack Zduriencik has made it clear
with his acquisitions
that defense and versatility are a priority. This
offseason, he found a player that provides more than
just those qualities in All-Star Chone Figgins.
Figgins finished 10th in the American League MVP
voting last year and led the American League in
walks (101). Along with Ichiro, he’ll help form one
of the best 1-2 punches in the league.
“We see Chone as a
great fit for our ball club and the city of
Seattle,” said Zduriencik. “We anticipate an
exciting time watching Ichiro and Chone batting at
the top of our lineup. Chone is an athletic player
with speed and versatility. He also brings
tremendous character and positive energy to our
organization.”
View the
Seattle Mariners Spring Training Game Schedule
Visit the
Seattle
Mariners Team Page
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